Despite the conversation opening up about menopause, there still continues to be plenty of taboo and stigma that surround symptoms that are less openly discussed, such as vaginal atrophy or sexual wellbeing.
And then there are the symptoms that simply don’t get much of a mention, perhaps because they related to our emotional state and mood fluctuations that women are so often castigated for. But here’s the truth: menopause doesn’t just affect your hormones and periods, and we deserve to know what is normal during this period of change, and when we need to seek further help.
Here’s six lesser discussed - often taboo - symptoms that we should all know more about.
UTIs can become more frequent and persistent
As oestrogen levels drop, the tissues around your bladder and urethra become thinner, drier, and more prone to infection. That can often lead to more urinary infections, and as we age these can become more risky to our health. UTIs don’t always come with the same symptoms as when we’re younger, either. For some they show up as leaking or frequently needing the loo. For others, it’s burning and pain. And for many women in their later years, a UTI can lead to confusion.
Vaginal oestrogen can make a huge difference here - but unfortunately it’s still underprescribed and underdiscussed. If you are experiencing dryness, or urinary infections, speak to your GP about topical oestrogen.
The clitoris and labia may ‘shrink’
You’d think we’d be told about this, wouldn’t you? As oestrogen and testosterone levels fall, the vulva can shrink, change colour, or lose definition. The clitoris may become smaller or less sensitive, and the labia can thin out or even start to fuse in some cases. It’s called atrophy, but it’s rarely explained properly.
Again, this is treatable with vaginal oestrogen, but only if we know what to look for and who to ask.
We may start getting frequent electric shocks
Ouch! Have you noticed that those short, sharp jolts of sensation - sometimes in the head, arms, or chest - can show up during hormone dips? They’re called ‘electric shock sensations’ and can feel like little zaps or sudden static charges. They're not dangerous, but they are alarming and certainly uncomfortable.
It’s thought to be linked to oestrogen’s role in nerve signalling. It often passes, but it’s worth tracking and talking to your GP if you notice an increase in these shocks.
Everything can suddenly feel SO LOUD (and you might get a ring or buzz in your ears)
Tinnitus and sound sensitivity are more frequently reported by women during menopause than we realise. What might start as the mild irritation of hearing someone eat, or slurping their tea (argghhh), it can become an overwhelming sensitivity to relatively normal, low level life sounds. For some of us it can show up at the most inconvenient of times too - at work, or driving especially. If you’ve started turning off the radio to help you concentrate on parking, this might be why.
No one’s exactly sure why this happens, but oestrogen is known to influence parts of the brain and tissues in the ear involved in hearing and processing sound. You’re not imagining it!
Orgasms may feel different (or harder to reach)
We know that low oestrogen levels in menopause can affect our libido, but what’s often not discussed is that our orgasms can feel different or harder to reach. This is because it’s not just the desire for sex that can take a hormonal hit, but sensitivity and pleasure change too. Less oestrogen means reduced blood flow to the pelvic area, which can make orgasms feel more muted and for many women, it feels like you’ll never reach that point. Some women describe it as “everything feeling a bit switched off”.
Topical oestrogen, regular masturbation, and sometimes even pelvic physio can help wake things back up.
Vulval skin can become thin and sore
We know the skin on our face may become dry and we’ll notice wrinkles as we get older, but no one warns us that our vulval and vaginal skin can become so delicate that it could tear during sex, exercise and even wiping after we go to the loo.
Alternatively, instead of tears, you might notice thing sting a bit and feel sore - or even itchy. It’s often mistaken for thrush, but can actually be part of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
Alongside vaginal oestrogen, ensure that you are using moisturisers and lubricants that soothe the delicate skin in your vulva. Avoid anything that contains glycerin and parabens as these can irritate and make things worse.
There’s no shame in our health
None of these symptoms are shameful, and none of them mean you’re “getting old”. They’re all connected to natural hormone changes, but unfortunately women’s health has been taboo for so long that we simply don’t know enough about many of the symptoms connected to menopause. Ready to tackle taboos and continue the discussion? Head over to our community, Jude and Friends.
